The Sri Lanka Squash Federation (SLSF) last Tuesday (18) announced that they were ready to conduct the 15th Asian Junior Team (AJT) Squash Championship, following the authorization received by both the Asian Squash Federation (ASF) and World Squash Federation (WSF).
In a media briefing held in the Mount Lavinia Hotel, SLSF announced, the tournament would be worked off at the Air Force Squash Complex in Rathmalana from January 25 to 29. Interestingly, the AJT championship would be the first squash event hosted in the country for the year 2011 and the event being an International tournament, the SLSF is seemingly looking forward to carrying out the processes smoothly.
The SLSF noted, 14 countries including a number favourites of the racquet sport such as Malaysia, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and other strong contenders as Japan, Korea, Chinese Taipei, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Iraq together with Sri Lank will participate. These 14 countries would be fielding 23 teams: the highest number of entries in the history of AJT Squash Championships, which would be carrying over 150 squash players.
Addressing the media, President of SLSF Mr. Oliver Guruge stated, “Sri Lanka is looking forward to climbing the ladder from being Seventh to the fifth, in the Asian region at the conclusion of the tournament”. He also added, “We are quite positive that the Sri Lankan boy’s team would remain amongst the top five. Though we don’t posses too much hope on the Girl’s team, we are quite confident as they would make a remarkable progress though the tournament”.
The Sri Lankan boy’s team comprises of much experienced Gihan Suwaris & Binura Jayasuriya, along with Ravindu Laksiri and D.S. Gunawardena. The team which is positioned in Group A would be facing a number of tough calls against the defending champions: Pakistan and the strong Chinese team.
Meanwhile, Nadindi Udangawe, Sharya Guruge, K. Methsarani and Naduni Gunawardena, would be representing the Sri Lankan girl’s team. Positioned themselves in the Group B, the girls would be competing with India, Malaysia and China.
The tournament is sponsored by Ceylon Biscuits Limited (CBL), which has been supporting the racquet sport for the past couple of years. Sri Lankan Airlines is the Official Airline of the 15th Asian Junior Squash Team Championship while TNT courier service is the other associate sponsor for the mega international event.
